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Kayser cancels participation in two District 5 candidate debates
The debating season kicks off tomorrow night with the first of several scheduled candidate forums for those running in the three contested LA United board districts. But it’s starting with a buzzkill. After committing to appear, board member Bennett Kayser has withdrawn from the first of the District 5 debates, scheduled at the Goodwill Community Enrichment...
By LA School Report | January 27, 2015
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LAUSD plans expansion of after school supper program
LA Unified announced a major expansion of its after school supper program yesterday through its Beyond the Bell Branch. The district currently serves 70,000 supper meals a day at 584 schools. Through new outreach efforts, the number could grow by more than a third, according to a district press release. It is also expected to generate...
By LA School Report | January 16, 2015
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SEIU 99 endorses all incumbents in 2015 LAUSD board races
SEIU Local 99, one of LA Unified’s largest and most powerful labor partners, announced today it is backing all of the incumbents running for a district school board seat in 2015. After a town hall meeting for their members, the union representing nearly 40,000 cafeteria workers, bus drivers and special education assistance, among others, made...
By Vanessa Romo | December 19, 2014
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School board races coming into view as filing deadline approaches
With tomorrow’s noon deadline approaching to file for next year’s LA Unified school board elections, the races are coming into view. Seats in four of the board’s seven districts — 1, 3, 5 and 7 — are up for grabs, making the elections hugely influential on future district policies. All four of the incumbents are...
By Craig Clough | November 7, 2014
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LAUSD board to vote on ethnic studies course for graduation
As support in the state for the idea is growing, the LA Unified school board next month is scheduled to vote on a resolution requiring an ethnic studies course for all district students as a high school graduation requirement. The resolution was introduced by board member Bennett Kayser and would begin the process with a pilot...
By Craig Clough | October 30, 2014
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Another challenger to Kayser enters LAUSD school board race
Andrew Thomas came to the conclusion the LA Unified school board had grown too distant from issues at the school level. He tried one approach at improving things, serving as a member of the Parents Advisory Committee, which was suppose to help shape spending. Not satisfied that it had much impact, Thomas is now running...
By Michael Janofsky | September 22, 2014
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LAUSD outlines backup plans as MiSiS work continues
LA Unified is still scrambling to troubleshoot technical issues as the deadline for staffing schools approaches, the school board learned at its latest meeting yesterday. “Norm” day,” as it’s called, is set for Friday but problems with the new student data management system, MiSiS, have forced the district to devise a new plan: “The process...
By Vanessa Romo | September 10, 2014
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Commentary: To those who live with Parkinson’s, you’re not alone
By Bennett Kayser As we learned yesterday that Robin Williams had been in the early stages of Parkinson’s Disease, I felt the need to step forward and share my story, and perhaps let others know they are not alone, that there is hope and that life with the disease can be joy-filled. I was recently...
By Guest contributor | August 15, 2014
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Kayser, FixLA campaign for funds for more crossing guards
As the new school year gets underway, so does a campaign to increase student safety at LA Unified elementary schools. District officials, including board member Bennett Kayser, and members of the FixLA coalition gathered at City Hall this week to express their concern over a shortage of crossing guards at more than 100 LA Unified...
By Yana Gracile | August 14, 2014
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Vergara ruling gets mixed reaction from school board
Predictably, the historic superior court decision yesterday in the Vergara case elicited mixed reactions from members of the LA Unified school board. The ruling, which found California laws dictating teacher tenure, seniority rights and dismissal practices unconstitutional, is seen as huge blow to teacher unions and a boost to education reformers. Here is what a...
By LA School Report | June 11, 2014